The fantasy football world was dealt another difficult blow last week when Houston Texans’ Arian Foster was lost for the season due to torn Achilles, just two weeks after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles suffered a similar fate after tearing a ligament in his knee.

While the already-depleted pool of featured running backs continues to thin out, the wide receiver position is strengthening as the Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant is expected to return after a five-game absence. Can owners simply plug him into their lineups and expect the kind of production they hoped for on draft day?

The impact that Bryant can provide right away is among the important story lines fantasy owners need to keep an eye on in Week 8:

The Dez dilemma

Until this season, Bryant has generally been a top-five fantasy receiver. Owners aren’t getting that version this week against the Seattle Seahawks, however, as the two-time Pro Bowler draws a rough first assignment in his return from a broken bone in his foot.

Keep in mind Bryant hasn’t been doing much in the way of football activities over the last six-plus weeks. Also consider new quarterback Matt Cassel joined…